Nearly two decades after testifying in court as a child, AJ Hutto, now 24, has spoken out publicly about witnessing his mother drown his sister. In 2008, at the age of 7, AJ testified that his mother, Amanda Lewis, drowned his 7-year-old sister Adrianna in their Florida backyard pool. His detailed account and a drawing he made were crucial evidence in the trial that led to Lewis being convicted of first-degree murder and child abuse.

She was sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 30 additional years. AJ, whose real name is withheld for protection, told The Daily Mail, “She’s 100% guilty. I stand by every word I said.” In court, he described seeing his mother hold Adrianna’s head underwater and cover her face. He also said she got angry after Adrianna sprayed glass cleaner in the house.

An autopsy later revealed bruises on Adrianna’s face consistent with a handprint. Though some critics suggested AJ may have been influenced by prosecutors, he insists his story was his own: “I just told them exactly what I saw, word for word.” The judge ruled him competent to testify despite his young age.

After the trial, AJ was adopted into a new family. Today, he’s a firefighter, married, and has had no contact with Lewis, whom he no longer calls his mother. He described his childhood with her as abusive, filled with fear, and said both he and Adrianna were often hit without warning.

Amanda Lewis has maintained her innocence, claiming Adrianna accidentally fell into the pool. She is currently trying to appeal her conviction and has hired a new attorney. She also reportedly passed a polygraph test and previously rejected a plea deal for a lesser manslaughter charge and 10-year sentence.

Despite her continued efforts to clear her name, AJ says he’s certain of what happened. “I know what I saw. I lived it.”